DIY Pocket Pet Toys

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Do you have a tiny furball for a pet? Mice, hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, and Guinea pigs can all make great pets. In order to keep your little buddy happy and healthy, you’ll need to provide them with plenty of suitable toys. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your furry pal happy, however. In this article, a Fort Collins, CO vet lists some DIY pocket pet toys.

Cardboard

There are lots of fun toys you can make out of cardboard. One easy option is to upcycle the tubes from paper towel or toilet paper rolls. Cut them into rings and then put them together to form little balls, or simply stuff them with fresh hay or herbs. Tissue boxes and shoeboxes can be repurposed into tunnels or hidey-holes for smaller pets, or filled with shredded paper for bigger furballs.

Paper

Shred unprinted copy paper, and put it in a pile or a little box for your pet to dig into. Hide some yummy treats under it to make it even more fun. Or, try folding the paper into fun shapes, like little trees. This can be a great project for kids!

Mazes

Little furballs love mazes! You can get kitty tunnels for larger pets, such as rabbits or Guinea pigs. For hamsters, gerbils, mice, or other small animals, use PVC pipe to construct fun tunnels and mazes.

Wood

Many wooden items, such as thread spools, wooden spoons, and children’s toy blocks, can make great toys for pocket pets. Just be sure to avoid anything that has been painted or varnished, as well as anything made of pine or cedar.

Foraging Toys

Put some safe herbs in a paper lunch bag, or hide some yummy veggies in a wadded-up piece of paper. Just be sure to choose foods that are safe for your specific pet. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Safety

Always put your furry friend’s safety first. Don’t give your pet anything with sharp edges that could cut them. Remember to remove staples! Small items should also be avoided, as they can pose serious choking hazards. Things with hanging threads are also on the no-no list. If you’re not sure if an item is safe, err on the side of caution and avoid it.